THE HORSE 177 



may become tender, and if used again before the 

 bruise is healed, will become sore. 



Treatment. — Entire cessation of work. The 

 saddle or collar should be left on a colt for a 

 time when he comes in hot from work. If the 

 skin beneath is bruised, swelled, and tender, the 

 place may be bathed with a strong solution of salt 

 or alum and water, which will help to harden the 

 skin. The only treatment for an advanced case 

 is rest, as, if the owner continues to use the horse, 

 the sore which will develop will take weeks to 

 cure instead of only a few days. In any case, the 

 padding of the saddle should be altered so as to 

 shift the pressure. If a colt becomes tender dur- 

 ing breaking, and it is undesirable to temporarily 

 discontinue his education, a breast collar may be 

 used for a few days. 



Grass-fed horses sometimes become girth-galled 

 when first put into work. A handful of flour 

 thrown on the sore immediately it is noticed will 

 prevent it giving much trouble. 



Thrush 

 An unhealthy secretion issuing from the cleft of 

 the frog, and one of the commonest diseases of 

 horses. 



